Naughty Boys

Everyday at school, I learn something new. Yesterday, the boys in my class did something that I can’t help laughing at, even though I know that the joke is on me.

I don’t like wearing a watch and haven’t worn one for several years now. In school, though, I do wear a watch because I don’t find it very ethical to carry a cell phone everywhere when the students aren’t allowed to do that. Since I’m not used to it, I take off my watch at the first opportunity I get.

I did it as usual when I was in class yesterday. The class was smooth, not one of the bad ones. When I finished what I was talking about, there were just five minutes left for the class to end, so I let them off early instead of starting something new.

“What’s the time?” one of the students asked, innocently.

“4:10,” I replied, putting my books together.

We left the classroom and another student asked, “Ma’am, what’s the time?”

“Almost 4:15,” I replied. “I know, it’s a little early. Never mind.”

It was only when I got back to the staff room that I realised that I’d left them not five, but almost fifteen minutes early. At some point of time, one of the boys had evidently picked up my watch and changed the time. They also had the intelligence not to change it too much so that I would suspect nothing. It was just enough to make a difference to them, and stay unnoticed by me.
I was astounded at the gall, but still can’t help being impressed that they pulled it off!